Caption: A cartoon attributed to Thomas Rowlandson, 1785, showing a demon causing burning pain in the cellist's gouty foot. Gout is a disease in which a defect in uric acid metabolism causes acute inflammation in the joints, with swelling, redness & pain. When it affects the foot it is known as "podagra". Gout has traditionally been associated with "excessive living", in particular overeating & overdrinking, and it is more common amongst men. Today, treatment for acute & chronic forms involves the use of drugs & a warning against rich food & alcohol.